Tribunal suspends expulsion of Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo from ODM

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo during a National Assembly Energy Committee's inquiry on the high cost of electricity. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) has suspended the expulsion of Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

This comes hours after the lawmaker, and four others who were expelled by the party last week, moved to the tribunal in Kisumu, to challenge their expulsion.

The tribunal's chairperson Desma Nungo ordered that the MP should remain a member of ODM, the National Assembly, and House committees until an application challenging his ouster is determined.

He has also ordered the respondents to the application to submit their responses within five days.

The case is coming up for mention on September 20, 2023, at 2.30 pm.

On Friday, MPs Felix Odiwour alias Jalang’o of Lang’ata, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Suba South's Caroli Omondi, and Gideon Ochanda of Bondo Constituency filed individual motions to overturn the party’s decision.

They are seeking conservatory orders to stop ODM from implementing their expulsion and have claimed they risk losing their seats as MPs. They have also sought orders to block their removal from House committees in parliament.